Kids of Character: Brandy Morgan

Brandy Morgan sets the tone for her peers with freshly sharpened pencils, a willingness to help fix problems and a strong desire to grow academically.

Brandy credits doing homework, asking questions and having great relationships with classmates as keys to her success. Being kind and respectful is important too, she says.

Sheleena Taylor, fifth-grade math and science teacher: Brandy enters the classroom with a smile each morning, ready to review diligently completed homework and wielding freshly sharpened pencils. She helps set the tone for her peers by asking and answering questions and by helping her classmates. Brandy models that the pursuit for excellence does not equate perfection, but rather continual improvement and reflection as she always seeks to grow both academically and personally.

Brandy also exudes courage. It is clear she's used to being academically successful. However, it is also clear that she has to work a little harder this year than in years past to maintain her high level of achievement. Yet, as the work continues to grow more complex and more challenging, Brandy is not inhibited by a fear of failure. She remains calm and works to understand misunderstandings and mistakes.

Students, teachers, family and staff all recognize in Brandy a leader. She models how to take risks and to make mistakes in the classroom. She does not rely on her natural talents alone, but always works so hard to do her best.

Sandy Gordon, mother: My daughter is always making me proud. From a little girl growing up, she has the potential of doing a lot of things that are even surprising to me. As a single mom, I tried to grow Brandy up in the way that she should be.

Brandy is a helpful child and I can depend on her to do household chores. Whatever she puts her mind to, she always achieves. She is kind, generous, self-confident and very loving.

Brandy Morgan: I always participate in class, ask questions and do my homework. I also help others and treat people the way I want to be treated. I make sure I am kind and respectful.

My peers and I also have great relationships. We work together to come up with answers. Most importantly, I am a person you can always depend on to do things correctly.

By demonstrating outstanding character, it has improved other people. For example, my friend told me she saw me improving and she also wanted to improve her grades.